Vans SK8: Pool Service–approved by Apple

[dubane]

I promised I'd let all of you know once I had more details to share about our upcoming game Vans SK8: Pool Service.

I've just finished submitting this to Apple and it should go live shortly after they approve it.

We'll have an "official" announcement once it's approved but until then I'm happy to share whatever information you'd like to know. We have posted a bit of information already on our blog and plan to continue our series of Developer Diaries in the coming few weeks - http://www.fuelgames.com/

We also posted the official trailer a couple weeks back (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQ89B5kVcC0&fmt=18) as well as a gameplay test a couple weeks before that (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BqlcSCB5_dE&fmt=18)

We believe this is one of the first true action sports games available for the iPhone as it immerses you into a full 3D environment, allowing you to ride as either Bucky Lasek or Omar Hassan. You can perform 13 tricks (actually I think there might be 14 now :)), and compete in 10 different events all the while unlocking numerous boards, wheels and earning achievements.

Vans SK8: Pool Service will be sold for $4.99

I hope you enjoy the game, and feel free to ask if there's anything else you'd like to know.

[rich_952000]

I'm looking forward to this, and have been since you first announced it:). My guesstimate is probably Friday night. Can you tell me the Application file size? If not I can wait until the release. Thanks, can't wait.

[dubane]

Can you tell me the Application file size?

I don't know what the final file size will be once it goes through the packaging process for Apple. The .zip file that I uploaded is just over 60MB. In addition to the core game content, we also have a couple videos to be unlocked as well as 5 music tracks from some great independent bands (Methadones, Penuckle, Slowride and Dwarves).

[rich_952000]

I don't know what the final file size will be once it goes through the packaging process for Apple. The .zip file that I uploaded is just over 60MB. In addition to the core game content, we also have a couple videos to be unlocked as well as 5 music tracks from some great independent bands (Methadones, Penuckle, Slowride and Dwarves).

This sounds like it's going to be a hit! I will give you my impressions as soon as I get a chance to buy it.;)

[Paulio]

awesome :D
Can't wait :D
this game looks to be awesome :D

[Spiral75]

I tend to like the lower priced apps.....BUT......I am all over this one. The youtube video was short but from what I see....its looks insane! And seems easy to control as well!

['Jeep]

That's about tops of what I've paid recently for some proper "overhyped" apps! But I'm getting the feeling that this one will be up there with some of the best. Some great music too, it's gonna be a long week... :D

[Almy]

Looking good! Are you planning on taking advantage of the 3.0 changes to offer expansions later? Like for new locations and such.

[kiwi91]

Aahhhh, yes!! So excited.

[kiwi91]

I have a few questions:

1. Is there only one pool to skate in? If so, will there be any updates providing more?

2. Can you get sponsors?

3. Is there any story mode at all?

[dubane]

I have a few questions:

1. Is there only one pool to skate in? If so, will there be any updates providing more?

2. Can you get sponsors?

3. Is there any story mode at all?

Initially yes, there is just one pool to skate in. We'd love to be able to extend this with future updates, as we have a lot of ideas for how to make this even better.

You do not earn additional sponsors and while there is a career mode it does not have a defined story to play through. Our goal with this version was simply to provide the best core skate experience we could and we didn't want to let other stuff get in the way of that.

[gscal]

How many boards will there be?

[dubane]

How many boards will there be?

We've got 20 boards including Bucky and Omar's actual board designs. We also have 10 different wheels to unlock.

Here's a couple screenshots from the board and wheel select I just took. Some of the boards are based on actual board designs, while others were created by our internal concept artists. The board in the center of the screen is my second favorite in the game.

http://forums.toucharcade.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=1891&d=1237522156

http://forums.toucharcade.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=1892&d=1237522156

[gscal]

We've got 20 boards including Bucky and Omar's actual board designs. We also have 10 different wheels to unlock.

Here's a couple screenshots from the board and wheel select I just took. Some of the boards are based on actual board designs, while others were created by our internal concept artists. The board in the center of the screen is my second favorite in the game.

Wow! Those screenshots are awesome. So many boards and so many wheels... I can't wait for this game! ;)

[kiwi91]

Initially yes, there is just one pool to skate in. We'd love to be able to extend this with future updates, as we have a lot of ideas for how to make this even better.

You do not earn additional sponsors and while there is a career mode it does not have a defined story to play through. Our goal with this version was simply to provide the best core skate experience we could and we didn't want to let other stuff get in the way of that.

Ok thanks!! I'm looking forward to this game.

[Spiral75]

I am looking forward to this one. I agree that differeft pools to skate on would be a sweet update. I cant wait to check this game out!

[Mattman]

Yeah new areas would really increase the life of this game, but as of now it looks great and I can't wait for the release! :D

[Slayer_megadeth]

Looking forward to this. Hopefully this will be a better experience than grind

[kiwi91]

I realllly hope this comes out in the next day or two.

[Paulio]

I realllly hope this comes out in the next day or two.

ditto

[dubane]

I realllly hope this comes out in the next day or two.

Still no word from Apple on this, but I'm hoping we'll know soon.

[mavis]

Still no word from Apple on this, but I'm hoping we'll know soon.Apple is really starting to piss me off with all these delays. What's the damn holdup on this one? Or Galaxy on Fire? Or Monster Trucks Nitro (past tense) ... ? This seems to be happening with more frequency now. They had been doing so well there for a few months. :(

[doctorded]

Did they drop this app on the floor some where at apple, and they can't find it?
I was looking forward to this one, hopeful they get on the ball and get this out before end of day.

[TideTime]

I love the preview, this looks really good. Can't wait to check it out.

[dubane]

I appreciate that you all are looking forward to this. We've been expecting Apple to take around a week or so to approve this and we're not too far out from that. I want you all to be playing it just as much as you want to be, and you will be soon!

[co0087]

but vans makes good skate shoes

[salsamd]

http://img.slidetoplay.com/20090327/sk8_boxshot.jpg

Those excited by the Southern California skate scene, and the punky reggae music that goes with it, should keep an eye on iCompany's SK8 Half Pipe, which we briefly played yesterday at GDC.

iCompany is a new developer with an interesting story. A couple of months ago, three of the company's principals were teammates on an Orange County semi-pro baseball team, with no iPhone development plans at all. Three months' worth of 18-hour days changed all that. iCompany now has its first game ready to go, and it's lined up some major sponsorship support; for instance, popular SoCal reggae band Slightly Stoopid agreed to provide 20 tracks worth of music for SK8 Half Pipe.

At any rate, the app is a quick pick-up-and-play skate trick game. You gain momentum by flicking the iPhone when your skater is in the center of the ramp, and then pull tricks with two touch buttons and a d-pad. The game supports 4-player pass-and-play, and there's an online Competition mode which will be stocked with big monthly prizes from the sponsors, like guitars, clothes, and headphones. An authentically Rasta interface ties the whole thing together.

SK8 Half Pipe has been submitted to the App Store, and should be available soon. $4.99 buys you in.

[salsamd]

I don't think you can really compare a 3rd person game to touchgrind's top down view. For me, I couldn't get into the perspective of Touchgrind.

[dubane]

Hey everyone,

Great news - Vans SK8 has been approved by Apple and will be available for sale on Monday (or maybe even late Sunday night)!

Once it gets propagated through the App Store this should be the link for it:
http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewSoftware?id=309138776&mt=8

[kiwi91]

Hey everyone,

Great news - Vans SK8 has been approved by Apple and will be available for sale on Monday (or maybe even late Sunday night)!

Once it gets propagated through the App Store this should be the link for it:
http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewSoftware?id=309138776&mt=8

YES, YES, YES!!!!!!!

I have been checking the app store religiously for this every day!!! I can't wait!!

P.S. Doesn't it only take a few hours after approval? Why Monday? :(

[CandyNJ66]

YES, YES, YES!!!!!!!

I have been checking the app store religiously for this every day!!! I can't wait!!

P.S. Doesn't it only take a few hours after approval? Why Monday? :(

No one is happier than Kiwi to get Vans! :D

[kiwi91]

No one is happier than Kiwi to get Vans! :D

Screw vans, my style is more Ralph Lauren...haha jk :D:D

No, but I seriously want a decent skateboarding game!!! This looks pretty good...and hopefully soon something like Skate will come out...with missions and sponsors and stuff.

[Spiral75]

I don't think you can really compare a 3rd person game to touchgrind's top down view. For me, I couldn't get into the perspective of Touchgrind.

I agree......Touchgrind didnt do much for me. The idea is super cool and I am amazed by how it works. I just cant seem to get into playing it. I am looking forward to Vans. Was kinda hoping for a $2.99 price tag but....I am still gonna get it :D

[arta]

It's about time.